 The first thing that he remembers is a bellowing voice calling loudly 'Boy!.' The force of the sound stirred him into action bringing him forth from where he was resting. He knew there was work to be done. There was always work to be done. For a time, work was all that he knew. From the moment he woke to the moment he rested, there was always something to do. For many years as he grew, he just worked and worked. The Master that owned him never spoke of where he came from and he learned not to ask. He kept his head down and did what was expected of him and nothing more.
Years passed and he stopped growing as others even younger than him stood taller and caught the eye of those that wished to have a slave. He went about his duties, working as he was told, but he also started to pay attention. As he worked, he watched and listened, paying attention to the tasks where he was asked to help. He that owned him worked with many merchants and tradesmen. He was exposed to many tasks. He always did as told, learning of animals, tending to gardens, cooking, cleaning, mending, treating furs, fixing molds. The work was difficult, but he grew strong and hearty. He continued as he was told, never once thinking there would be more for him than the constant work. More years passed and still he worked. Many tasks became second nature to him. He was able to do them with minimal direction. While he worked hard and well, there was no passion, no meaning to what he did. He just knew work, taking a given task and completing it before moving to the next. As time continued, he wondered what would become of him. Then one day something within him changed. The tasks became his purpose. If work was all he would know, then he would know it well. The work became his focus and he put all his effort into each task. He not only completed the task but made sure it was done to the best of his skill and given his full focus and effort. More time passed and his passion for his work grew. Always his best effort was put forward, only his total focus always given to his tasks. Then came that fateful day not too long ago. He was taken and placed within the back of a wagon. The wagon then began its journey, one that would end unexpectedly. Something happened on that trip and he was thrown from the wagon, striking his head. Awakening, he found himself alone. Not knowing where he was nor what to do, he focused on what task he could do, that of walking across the plains. Fate lead him to this camp and it is here that his focus has been renewed. Purpose to serve the camp took fire and taken to heart. He is home, he is at peace, he is content. |